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Is K-pop nothing without BTS? Korea Singers Association chief asks BTS to cancel hiatus

The chairman asked BTS to reconsider their decision of going on a hiatus asking them to 'think about the Hallyu wave'

Looks like the message from RM (Kim Namjoon), the leader of BTS has still not reached many locals as they continue to claim that BTS is going to end their nine-year long journey and go on a hiatus. On June 15, after BTS members gathered together for a team dinner to celebrate their ninth anniversary since debut, BTS Festa, a lot of chaos ensued. Members initially shocked fans of K-pop as well as ARMYs sending the latter into a sobbing mess when they stated that BTS was going to halt all their group activities.

Many initially interpreted the news as the end or disbandment of BTS but members V (Kim Taehyung), Jungkook and RM reassured fans that they were not going anywhere and will be focusing their attentions on solo projects more than their group activities. However, it seems like the memo from BTS members did not reach the Korean Singers Association. On June 22, Kmedia reported that Chairman Lee Ja-yeon from Korea's Singers Association expressed her concerns about BTS' hiatus and how their break would adversely affect the music industry. Lee shared a message to the group appealing them to "rethink their decision".

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'I am concerned'

In a press announcement that was released through the Korean Singers association on June 22, Chairman Lee Ja-yeon addressed BTS and their agency HYBE and shared her concerns about the "Hallyu (Korean wave) craze ending" after BTS' hiatus. She said, "I am afraid that the 'BTS Hallyu craze', which has the strongest cultural soft power in the history of Korea as well as in the world, will disappear." Chairman Lee said that just as there is no way to create the next Beatles, it is difficult to expect a next BTS."

Chairman Lee Ja-yeon added, "So, I am concerned that if BTS disappears, with them the Hallyu Evangelists ARMY aka the BTS fandom too would disappear. interrupting the Hallyu wave." She then also added that due to this, Hallyu tourism nor a cultural reset can be expected as it has been in the recent years. Chairman Lee added, "I ask the National Assembly and the government to pay close attention so that the Hallyu boom can continue to spread, and to actively review th revision of the Military Service Act so that BTS can continue to work. I beg you.”

'Just leave them alone'

Fans have started reassuring BTS members that it is okay for them to rest and stated that ARMYs would support the boys in everything they do. One fan said, "For the future of South Korea's music industry???? WTF THEY ARE ALSO A HUMAN AND FOR WORKING UPON DECADES THEY ALSO DESERVE TO REST. For God's sake why should they reconsider their decision. JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE." One fan quoted Jimin of BTS saying, “To me, 'rest' means a time where both my body and mind can heal.” ㅡ 211006, Park Jimin from IN THE SOOP S2 Teaser 2." Another fan said, "Got army right behind us when we say so” EXACTLY."

One fan said, "For almost a decade you've kept running, responsible for a lot of changes internationally and opened a lot of doors that was once closed. Rest however you want and for how long you desire. People's approvals are no longer your problem nor concern. #BTSItsOkayToRest" Another fan said, "To you who wrote these messages to ARMY, to you who have brought us along so gently, for so long - ARMY belongs to BTS. We're not going anywhere and will support you, always. BTS, our biggest love."

One more fan added, "For almost a decade you kept running and you have dedicated your entire youth. It's okay to take a break. Use this resting period to do whatever you want. The most important thing to us is your health, happiness, and well-being. We love you. Take care." Another fan said, "You’ve done so much for us already! take as much as time as you need and enjoy it, we’ll always be waiting for you."

One fan warned, "#BTSItsOkayToRest AND I DARE A MF TO TELL THEM TO STOP THEIR BREAK FOR AN INDUSTRY THAT NEVER SUPPORTS THEM." Another fan said, "It’s so sad that we have to stand up for this but they deserve all the rest and healing that they need they have been working for 9 years!!! Creating beautiful music now let them be and let them rest and leave them alone!!! Give them time."